2347. thlipsis

Lexical Summary

thlipsis: Tribulation, Affliction, Distress, Persecution

Original Word: θλῖψις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: thlipsis
Pronunciation: THLIP-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (thlip'-sis)
KJV: afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble
NASB: tribulation, affliction, afflictions, tribulations, distress, anguish, persecution
Word Origin: [from G2346 (θλίβω - afflicted)]

1. pressure
{literally or figuratively}

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

affliction, persecution, tribulation

From thlibo; pressure (literally or figuratively) -- afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.

see GREEK thlibo

HELPS Word-studies

2347 thlípsis – properly, pressure (what constricts or rubs together), used of a narrow place that "hems someone in"; tribulation, especially internal pressure that causes someone to feel confined (restricted, "without options").

2347 /thlípsis ("compression, tribulation") carries the challenge of coping with the internal pressure of a tribulation, especially when feeling there is "no way of escape" ("hemmed in").

[By contrast, 4730 (stenoxōría) focuses on the external pressure exerted by circumstances.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from thlibó
Definition
tribulation
NASB Translation
affliction (14), afflictions (6), anguish (1), distress (2), persecution (1), tribulation (16), tribulations (4), trouble (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2347: θλῖψις

θλῖψις, or θλῖψις (so L Tr) (cf. Winers Grammar, § 6, 1 e.; Lipsius, Grammat. Untersuch., p. 35), θλίψεως, ἡ (θλίβω), properly, a pressing, pressing together, pressure (Strabo, p. 52; Galen); in Biblical and ecclesiastical writings, a Greek metaphor, oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits; Vulg.tribulatio, also pressura (2 Corinthians 1:4b; John 16:(21),33; (Philippians 1:16 (17); and in Colossians 1:24 passio)); (the Sept. for צָרָה, also for צַר, לַחַץ, etc.): Matthew 24:9; Acts 7:11; Acts 11:19; Romans 12:12; 2 Corinthians 1:4, 8; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 7:4; 2 Corinthians 8:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:6; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 2:9, 22; Revelation 7:14; joined with στενοχωρία (cf. Trench, § lv.), Romans 2:9; Romans 8:35 (Deuteronomy 28:53f; Isa. (); ); with ἀνάγκη, 1 Thessalonians 3:7; with διωγμός, Matthew 13:21; Mark 4:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; of the afflictions of those hard pressed by siege and the calamities of war, Matthew 24:21, 29; Mark 13:19, 24; of the straits of want, 2 Corinthians 8:13; Philippians 4:14 (here others give the word a wider reference); James 1:27; of the distress of a woman in childbirth; John 16:21. θλῖψιν ἔχω (equivalent to θλίβομαι), John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 7:28; Revelation 2:10; θλῖψις ἐπί τινα ἔρχεται, Acts 7:11; ἐν θλίψει, 1 Thessalonians 1:6. plural: Acts 7:10; Acts 14:22; Acts 20:23; Romans 5:3; Ephesians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 10:33; τοῦ Χριστοῦ, the afflictions which Christ had to undergo (and which, therefore, his followers must not shrink from), Colossians 1:24 (see ἀνταναπληρόω); θλῖψις τῆς καρδίας (καί συνοχή), anxiety, burden of heart, 2 Corinthians 2:4; θλῖψιν ἐπιφέρειν (L T Tr WH ἐγείρειν, see ἐγείρω, 4 c.) τοῖς δεσμοῖς τίνος, to increase the misery of my imprisonment by causing me anxiety, Philippians 1:16 (17).

Topical Lexicon

Scope and Background

Strong’s Greek 2347 describes the varied pressures that press upon God’s people: external persecution, internal anguish, material hardship, and eschatological distress. Although the contexts differ, the theme is consistent—God’s people encounter constriction yet are sustained and refined by His sovereign grace.

The Teaching of Jesus

In the Parable of the Soils, tribulation tests a superficial profession of faith (Matthew 13:21; Mark 4:17). Christ foretells rising hostility that will “deliver you up to tribulation and kill you” (Matthew 24:9) and climaxes in a unique “great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world” (Matthew 24:21; cf. Mark 13:19). Yet He simultaneously assures, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). For the disciple, distress is neither unexpected nor ultimate.

Pauline Theology of Tribulation

1. Formation of character: “We also rejoice in our tribulations, because we know that tribulation produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3).
2. Assurance of inseparable love: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation…?” (Romans 8:35). No earthly pressure can sever covenantal bonds.
3. Light and momentary: Paul calls present affliction “light and momentary…producing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
4. Shared consolation: God “comforts us in all our tribulation, so that we can comfort those in any tribulation” (2 Corinthians 1:4). Ministry is birthed out of experienced distress.
5. Missional necessity: “It is through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22, with Paul as speaker). Tribulation, not ease, is the normal pathway of gospel advance.
6. Apostolic biography: Repeated jailings, riots, and poverty fill Paul’s résumé (Acts 20:23; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 11:23–28). He views them as stewardship—“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for His body” (Colossians 1:24).

Tribulation in the General Epistles

James frames authentic religion as visiting “orphans and widows in their tribulation” (James 1:27), urging tangible mercy amid oppression. Peter, though not using the word, speaks the same language: fiery trials refine faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). Thessalonian correspondence repeatedly addresses congregational distress (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 3:3, 7; 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 6), portraying endurance as evidence of election and basis for coming retribution on persecutors.

Johannine Writings and Revelation

John, “your brother and partner in the tribulation” (Revelation 1:9), writes to assemblies in Asia Minor:
• Smyrna: “I know your tribulation…Be faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:9-10).
• Thyatira: Those persisting in immorality will be “cast into great tribulation” (Revelation 2:22).

The climactic vision shows a multitude emerging “out of the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14); their robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb, proving salvific sufficiency amid eschatological judgment.

Spiritual Purposes and Outcomes

• Purification: Tribulation exposes motives and excises idols.
• Perseverance: Pressures train believers in patient endurance (Romans 5:3-4).
• Corporate solidarity: Shared distress forges empathetic fellowship (2 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 4:14).
• Witness: Suffering validates testimony, displaying Christ’s worth above comfort (Philippians 1:17; 2 Corinthians 8:2).

Eschatological Significance: The Great Tribulation

Prophetic passages apply the term both generically and specifically. The “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 7:14) denotes a climactic period of unprecedented anguish preceding Christ’s return. While interpretive models vary, Scripture is clear that God limits its duration (Matthew 24:22) and preserves His elect. Believers therefore watch, pray, and remain faithful, confident that final deliverance is secured by the conquering Lamb.

Historical Profile of Tribulation in the Early Church

From Stephen’s martyrdom and the ensuing dispersion (Acts 7:11; 11:19) through Nero’s executions, tribulation shaped apostolic mission. Scattered believers carried the gospel (Acts 8:4), demonstrating that persecution often functions as providential impetus for expansion.

Pastoral Implications for Contemporary Believers

1. Expectation: Prepare congregations for opposition; false advertising breeds apostasy (Matthew 13:21).
2. Encouragement: Hold forth Christ’s victory (John 16:33) and the glory to come (2 Corinthians 4:17).
3. Empathy: Develop ministries of practical aid to those under pressure (James 1:27).
4. Endurance: Cultivate disciplines of prayer and hope—“Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation” (Romans 12:12).
5. Evangelism: Suffering is not a detour but a platform; authentic witness often shines brightest under duress.

In every occurrence, tribulation functions as a crucible under God’s sovereign hand, purifying faith, advancing the gospel, and magnifying the sufficiency of Christ until the day when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).

Forms and Transliterations

θλιψει θλίψει θλιψεις θλίψεις θλίψεσι θλίψεσί θλιψεσιν θλίψεσιν θλίψεσίν θλιψεων θλίψεων θλιψεως θλιψεώς θλίψεως θλίψεώς θλιψιν θλίψιν θλῖψιν θλιψις θλίψις θλῖψις θνησιμαία θνησιμαίοις θνησιμαίον θνησιμαίου θνησιμαίων thlipsei thlípsei thlipseis thlípseis thlipseon thlipseōn thlípseon thlípseōn thlipseos thlipseōs thlípseos thlípseōs thlipsesin thlípsesin thlípsesín thlipsin thlípsin thlipsis thlípsis

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 13:21 N-GFS
GRK: γενομένης δὲ θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ
NAS: but is [only] temporary, and when affliction or
KJV: for when tribulation or
INT: having come however tribulation or persecution

Matthew 24:9 N-AFS
GRK: ὑμᾶς εἰς θλίψιν καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν
NAS: they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill
KJV: up to be afflicted, and shall kill
INT: you to tribulation and will kill

Matthew 24:21 N-NFS
GRK: γὰρ τότε θλίψις μεγάλη οἵα
NAS: there will be a great tribulation, such
KJV: great tribulation, such as
INT: indeed then tribulation great such as

Matthew 24:29 N-AFS
GRK: μετὰ τὴν θλίψιν τῶν ἡμερῶν
NAS: after the tribulation of those
KJV: after the tribulation of those
INT: after the tribulation the days

Mark 4:17 N-GFS
GRK: εἶτα γενομένης θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ
NAS: then, when affliction or
KJV: afterward, when affliction or
INT: then having arisen tribulation or persecution

Mark 13:19 N-NFS
GRK: ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι θλίψις οἵα οὐ
NAS: days will be a [time of] tribulation such
KJV: days shall be affliction, such as
INT: days those tribulation such as never

Mark 13:24 N-AFS
GRK: μετὰ τὴν θλίψιν ἐκείνην ὁ
NAS: after that tribulation, THE SUN
KJV: that tribulation, the sun
INT: after the tribulation those the

John 16:21 N-GFS
GRK: μνημονεύει τῆς θλίψεως διὰ τὴν
NAS: remembers the anguish because
KJV: no more the anguish, for
INT: she remembers the tribulation on account of the

John 16:33 N-AFS
GRK: τῷ κόσμῳ θλίψιν ἔχετε ἀλλὰ
NAS: you have tribulation, but take courage;
KJV: ye shall have tribulation: but
INT: the world tribulation you have but

Acts 7:10 N-GFP
GRK: πασῶν τῶν θλίψεων αὐτοῦ καὶ
NAS: him from all his afflictions, and granted
KJV: all his afflictions, and gave
INT: all the tribulations of him and

Acts 7:11 N-NFS
GRK: Χαναὰν καὶ θλίψις μεγάλη καὶ
NAS: and great affliction [with it], and our fathers
KJV: and great affliction: and our
INT: Canaan and tribulation great and

Acts 11:19 N-GFS
GRK: ἀπὸ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς γενομένης
NAS: because of the persecution that occurred
KJV: upon the persecution that arose
INT: by the tribulation that had taken place

Acts 14:22 N-GFP
GRK: διὰ πολλῶν θλίψεων δεῖ ἡμᾶς
NAS: many tribulations we must
KJV: through much tribulation enter into
INT: through many tribulations must we

Acts 20:23 N-NFP
GRK: δεσμὰ καὶ θλίψεις με μένουσιν
NAS: that bonds and afflictions await
KJV: bonds and afflictions abide me.
INT: chains and tribulations me await

Romans 2:9 N-NFS
GRK: θλίψις καὶ στενοχωρία
NAS: [There will be] tribulation and distress
KJV: Tribulation and anguish,
INT: tribulation and distress

Romans 5:3 N-DFP
GRK: ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν εἰδότες ὅτι
NAS: exult in our tribulations, knowing
KJV: we glory in tribulations also: knowing
INT: in the tribulations knowing that

Romans 5:3 N-NFS
GRK: ὅτι ἡ θλίψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται
NAS: knowing that tribulation brings about
KJV: that tribulation worketh
INT: that the tribulation endurance produces

Romans 8:35 N-NFS
GRK: τοῦ χριστοῦ θλίψις ἢ στενοχωρία
NAS: of Christ? Will tribulation, or
KJV: of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or
INT: of Christ tribulation or distress

Romans 12:12 N-DFS
GRK: χαίροντες τῇ θλίψει ὑπομένοντες τῇ
NAS: persevering in tribulation, devoted
KJV: patient in tribulation; continuing instant
INT: rejoice the in tribulation be patient

1 Corinthians 7:28 N-AFS
GRK: οὐχ ἥμαρτεν θλίψιν δὲ τῇ
NAS: such will have trouble in this life,
KJV: shall have trouble in the flesh:
INT: not she did sin tribulation however in the

2 Corinthians 1:4 N-DFS
GRK: πάσῃ τῇ θλίψει ἡμῶν εἰς
NAS: us in all our affliction so
KJV: all our tribulation, that we
INT: all the tribulation of us for

2 Corinthians 1:4 N-DFS
GRK: ἐν πάσῃ θλίψει διὰ τῆς
NAS: who are in any affliction with the comfort
KJV: any trouble, by
INT: in every tribulation through the

2 Corinthians 1:8 N-GFS
GRK: ὑπὲρ τῆς θλίψεως ἡμῶν τῆς
NAS: brethren, of our affliction which came
KJV: of our trouble which came
INT: as to the tribulation of us

2 Corinthians 2:4 N-GFS
GRK: γὰρ πολλῆς θλίψεως καὶ συνοχῆς
NAS: For out of much affliction and anguish
KJV: out of much affliction and anguish
INT: indeed much tribulation and distress

2 Corinthians 4:17 N-GFS
GRK: ἐλαφρὸν τῆς θλίψεως ἡμῶν καθ'
NAS: light affliction is producing
KJV: light affliction, which
INT: lightness of tribulation of us far

Strong's Greek 2347
45 Occurrences

θλίψει — 9 Occ.
θλίψεις — 1 Occ.
θλίψεων — 3 Occ.
θλίψεως — 9 Occ.
θλίψεσιν — 6 Occ.
θλίψιν — 10 Occ.
θλίψις — 7 Occ.